Minerva Academy FC’s U-14/15 team scripted history by clinching the prestigious Gothia Cup, Dana Cup, and Norway Cup in 2025. Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya hailed their triumph as a “new beginning” for Indian football and urged focus on sports science, nutrition, and mental resilience for future success.
Highlights
- Minerva Academy FC (Mohali) became the first Indian side to complete a European treble in 2025.
- The U-14/15 squad won the Gothia Cup (Sweden), Dana Cup (Denmark), and Norway Cup (Norway).
- The team went unbeaten in 26 matches, scoring 295 goals against top youth clubs from Europe and South America.
- Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated the squad in New Delhi, calling it a milestone for Indian football.
- Emphasis placed on sports science, nutrition, and mental resilience for young players.
- Star performers: Konthoujam Yohenba Singh (Best Player, Gothia Cup) and Huidrom Tony (Best Player, Dana Cup).
In a landmark moment for Indian football, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, felicitated the young footballers of Minerva Academy Football Club (Mohali) in New Delhi. The recognition came after the club’s U-14/15 squad of 22 players created history by winning three of Europe’s most prestigious youth football tournaments — the Gothia Cup in Sweden, Dana Cup in Denmark, and Norway Cup in Norway — during July–August 2025.
The incredible feat, never before achieved by an Indian team, marked a European treble for Minerva Academy. Across the competitions, the boys remained unbeaten in 26 matches, netting an extraordinary 295 goals and conceding only a handful against top youth teams from Europe, South America, and beyond.
At the felicitation, Dr. Mandaviya praised the squad, saying:
“This is a new beginning for Indian football in our quest to achieve more glory in the international arena.”
He urged the young athletes to embrace the spirit of nation first and highlighted the importance of sports science, proper nutrition, and mental resilience, supported by expert psychologists, to sustain long-term success. “These youngsters have to maintain their high confidence level and their passion towards the sport,” he added.
The Gothia Cup, also known as the “Youth World Cup,” featured more than 1,700 teams from across the globe, including six Indian clubs. Minerva Academy FC defeated Argentina’s Escuela de Football 18 Tucumán 4–0 in the final, underlining their dominance on the international stage.
The players also earned individual accolades, with Konthoujam Yohenba Singh winning the Best Player award at the Gothia Cup, and Huidrom Tony bagging the Best Player honour at the Dana Cup.
A Khelo India Accredited Academy, Minerva Academy’s achievement stands as a milestone for Indian football, inspiring hope that the country can compete and succeed at the highest levels of world football.
